The Black Student Association (BSA) is a university-wide academic program founded in 2016 as a student support group. In 2017, BSA became the first student-led organization at Fielding. BSA engages Black students throughout their Fielding Graduate University (FGU) tenure. This organization works to attract Black Scholars and support them throughout their graduate career, including providing opportunities for professional development, visibility within the FGU community, and an empathetic environment where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged.

BSA Mission:

The Black Student Association (BSA) is a university-wide student organization that aims to foster a responsive academic environment that promotes Black students’ educational success and empowerment. To this aim, the BSA’s mission is to help Black students attain culturally relevant learning opportunities while simultaneously cultivating their professional development. Hence, it focuses on helping its members develop various skills and competencies relevant to their careers, provides direct assistance, and offers members a safe space that is socially and emotionally supportive.

Significance for BSA:

Higher education can be a vehicle to lessen equity gaps between students based on race, ethnicity, and income. Historically and presently, Black students face substantial systemic challenges in accessing and completing higher levels of education. The current graduation rate for Black collegiate students is 42 percent, with reports of students expressing they were not made to feel comfortable by White faculty and administrators. Additionally, Black students comprise a small percentage of graduate-level students in programs often situated in predominantly white universities. These students are often first-generation that may need additional support to identify mentors, research projects, and access resources that may be difficult to navigate while completing their studies. Therefore, intentional efforts must be made to ensure Black students have institutional supports that reduce barriers and encourage a diverse and representative study body with the needed tools and support to close the equity gap.

Notable Accomplishments:

– Dr. Stephen Ruffins Memorial Scholarship

– COVID-19 Roundtables

– Black Student Association Graduation Stoles

Notable Yearly Events:

– Diversity Speaker Series (Fall, Spring, & Summer Terms)

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Remembrance Presentation

– Black History Month Presentations & Publications in the Fielding Newsroom

– Black Womxn’s History Month Presentations & Publications in Fielding Newsroom

– Pride Month & Juneteenth Month Presentation & Publications in Fielding Newsroom

BSA E-Board & Member Accomplishments:

• Recipients of the APAGS Outstanding Professional Development Program Award (Stuart C. Tentoni Award)

• Student Recipients of the Clinical Psychology DEI Award

• Marie Fielder Center for Democracy, Leadership, and Education Fellows

• Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Fellows

• CASL Mental Health Summit & Leadership Colloquium Research Assistants (Funded by the National Science Foundation)

• Presentations, Honorary Mentions and Awardees at Various Conferences

  • American Psychological Association’s 41st Annual Trauma and Transcendence Conference

    • Society of Psychoanalysis & Psychoanalytic Psychology: Division 39

  • American Psychological Association Annual Conference

  • Association of Psychological Science Annual Conference

  • International Organization of Social Sciences and Behavioral Research Conference

  • 18th Annual International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry Conference

  • Society of Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology Annual Conference

  • National Multicultural Conference and Summit

  • Fielding Graduate University Poster Sessions

Current BSA E-Board:

Donica Harper, President

Brianna Downey, Vice President

Shania Greenwood, Press Secretary, Treasurer, and Special Events Coordinator

Nathan Smith, Sergeant in Arms

Dr. Tahlia Bragg,  Inaugural President (2017-2022)

Current BSA Advisors:

Dr. Anthony Greene, Clinical Psychology Faculty

Dr. Davis White-Eyes, Vice President Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Associate Faculty, School of Leadership Studies

Dr. Julie Jackson, Clinical Psychology  Faculty

Dr. Konjit Page, Clinical Psychology Faculty

Dr. April Harris-Britt, Clinical Psychology Faculty

We are always accepting new members! Please complete the following membership request form, and our E-Board Secretary will reach out with additional information.